Robotic Assisted Knee Replacement
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New Orleans Orthopedic Institute
Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeons & Sports Medicine located in Slidell, LA & Metairie, LA
If you’re like millions of Americans and suffer from knee pain, you may require a knee replacement to achieve long-lasting relief. At New Orleans Shoulder Institute in Metairie, Hammond, and Slidell, Louisiana, orthopedic surgeon Brian Kindl, MD, and his team perform total knee replacements using innovative robot-assisted surgery to fully restore knee joint function. Schedule a consultation by phone or online to learn more.
Robotic Assisted Knee Replacement Q & A
What is a total knee replacement?
Total knee replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, restores knee joint function and offers pain relief if you have severe knee damage. The procedure involves removing damaged parts of your joint and replacing the knee with an artificial joint made of plastics, polymers, and metal alloys.
The team at New Orleans Orthopedic Institute offers advanced, Mako robot-assisted knee surgery to give you the best possible results.
Who is a candidate for total knee replacement?
To determine if you’re a good candidate for a total knee replacement, Dr. Kindl and his team review your medical history, assess knee joint stability and range of motion, and use X-rays or CT scans to determine the extent of knee damage you have due to:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Traumatic arthritis
- Avascular necrosis
If the pain is debilitating or prevents you from staying active and conservative treatments haven’t worked, knee replacement might be the best next step.
How should I prepare for surgery?
To prepare for a total knee replacement, follow Dr. Kindl’s pre-surgical instructions. You might require pre-surgery tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, or an electrocardiogram (EKG). Stop taking certain medications if Dr. Kindl asks you to, and arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home.
Before your surgery, Dr. Kindl uses CT scans to develop 3D virtual models of your joint and determine optimal placement, size, and alignment of your new knee implant.
What happens during total knee replacement?
You’re given general anesthesia prior to total knee replacement to put you to sleep, or spinal anesthesia that allows you to stay awake, but you’re unable to feel pain from the waist down.
Dr. Kindl makes an incision in your knee and uses a Mako robotic device for better precision and accuracy during surgery. He moves your knee cap, removes damaged knee joint tissue, prepares the joint surface, and inserts an artificial joint into your knee.
He ensures your new joint functions properly and closes the incision. The procedure may last about two hours.
What should I expect during my recovery?
After total knee replacement surgery at New Orleans Orthopedic Institute, you’re taken to a recovery area for an hour or two. You stay in the surgical center for a few days while you heal.
Take all medications as prescribed, ice your knee, and follow other post-surgery instructions. Gradually increase your activity, and wear compression boots or support hose to reduce swelling and protect against blood clots.
You should also complete your physical therapy sessions at home and with a therapist during your recovery. Make sure to properly care for your wound, get plenty of rest, and eat a healthy diet. Expect to resume most normal daily activities within three to six weeks. Over time you should notice improvements in mobility, pain, and your overall quality of life.
Don’t live with chronic or severe knee pain when you don’t have to. Schedule a knee replacement evaluation with New Orleans Orthopedic Institute by phone or online today.
